updated 11:46 am EDT, Wed July 11, 2012

Update brings Google Wallet, boosts performance

Even though Google's Nexus 7 tablet hasn't shipped to customers yet, the device is receiving an upgrade to the newest version of Android, which has yet to be released itself. According toAndroid Central, Nexus 7 units handed out at this year's Google I/O have begun receiving an over-the-air update that improves performance and adds Google Wallet. It is as yet unclear whether purchased Nexus 7 units will ship with the update or receive it after shipping.

The Android 4.1.1 update weighs in at 12.6MB and appeared on the Android Open Source Project servers yesterday. Documentation for the update says that it improves performance and responsiveness system wide, and it appears to contain improvements to Google Now and the new notification system.

Android 4.1.1 appears to retain the unified search feature that forms the basis for the recent sales injunction against Samsung's Galaxy Nexus. Apple claims that Android's device search feature violates patents the iPhone maker holds. Google is working with Samsung to develop a patch that removes some functionality from Android's search mechanism and thereby circumvent Apple's patent claim, but it appears those features will be removed in a future update to the Nexus 7.